AIZAWL: The Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) has made has made it clear that they would not form a post-poll alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), even if they fail to secure a majority in the state assembly.
This statement comes after allegations from the Congress party claiming that a “secret understanding” exists between the ZPM and the BJP.
K Sapdanga, the working chairman of ZPM, made this announcement during a press meet on Thursday, quashing all speculations of a coalition government involving the ZPM and the BJP.
He stressed that the people of Mizoram are eager for a change in governance and that they do not expect or desire a coalition government.
“People are eager to have a new government because they want to test a new system of governance. They don’t expect a coalition government,” Sapdanga asserted, reaffirming ZPM’s commitment to go solo in the elections.
Sapdanga further expressed his confidence in ZPM’s ability to secure victory in the upcoming assembly polls, although he refrained from disclosing the number of seats they expect to win.
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Meanwhile, the Congress party accused the BJP of courting the ZPM, alleging that the Saffron party was seeking to secure the deputy Chief Minister’s post in the potential new government, as they anticipated defeat for the ruling Mizo National Front (MNF).
The Congress also claimed that a “secret agreement” had been reached between the ZPM and the BJP, pointing to ZPM leader Lalduhoma’s recent trips to Guwahati as evidence.
On the other hand, the BJP maintained that they were open to forming an alliance with either the MNF, already a part of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), or the ZPM, depending on who secures more seats in the elections.
This statement leaves the door open for potential collaboration, should the election results lead to a fractured mandate.
The ZPM, which had secured eight seats in the 2018 assembly elections but lost two seats in subsequent bypolls, is fielding candidates in all constituencies this time, demonstrating their commitment to contesting across the board.
The 40-member Mizoram assembly is going to the polls on November 7, with the results scheduled to be counted on December 3.
